Political Activism

Political Activism

It is very important for us to fight for legislation that helps not only our members, but all workers in this country. One of the biggest fights we face takes place in our own back yard. Rhode Island and Massachusetts are the last two states in the country that still have time and a half on Sunday mandated by law. Every year in both states, this law comes under attack by retailers such as Wal-Mart and Stop and Shop, and as a labor organization, we do everything we can to help keep these laws in place. It’s incredibly important to have a membership that is politically informed about the issues and willing to vote to make their voices heard.

In some instances, the efforts of our membership and the power of solidarity have achieved real success. Recently, the Rhode Island state legislature approved bi-weekly pay for workers in the state, which was lobbied by companies like AAA and CVS Pharmacy. This means that workers have to wait an extra week for their hard earned money, when for many, it’s tough enough getting by day by day. Fortunately, with the solidarity of our membership and our collective voice as one, a provision was woven into the framework of the law excluding workers with a union contract from having to suffer from this legislation. Our members, as a result of their activism and efforts, are still able to collect a weekly paycheck.

Minimum wage, paid sick time, and a host of other serious issues that directly affect the lives of workers are always making their way through our country’s legal system, with anti-worker politicians and wealthy donors constantly pushing to diminish the rights of working people in the name of higher profits. That is why UFCW Local 328 is encouraging you to become more involved with the issues that not only impact your working life, but the country at large. Below are voter registration forms for Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Voting is the number one way to fight back against big money in politics, and to ensure that we are doing everything we can to maintain and improve the laws that impact us both at home and at work. We hope to see you at the polls.